Hebrew University receives USAID grant to boost crop yields
The grant, whose application was facilitated by the New York-based American Friends of Hebrew University, will enable the establishment of a Unit of Correlative Microscopy at Rehovot campus.
A drip irrigation farm.(photo credit: REUTERS)BySHARON UDASINAiming to boost crop yields of plants such as chickpeas and soybeans, the Hebrew University’s Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment has been awarded a $789,000 grant from the US Agency for International Development.The grant, whose application was facilitated by the New York-based American Friends of Hebrew University, will enable the establishment of a Unit of Correlative Microscopy at the university’s Rehovot campus. By employing the advanced microscopy equipment, researchers will be able to study the tissue and cell makeup of crops while they are grown under environmentally stressful conditions, the American Friends of Hebrew University said.The goal of the research unit, which will be funded by USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad program (ASHA), is to boost crop yields by improving plant-breeding techniques.This USAID program funded a $400,000 grant to the Hebrew University campus in 2013, to upgrade its Phytotron climate- controlled greenhouse.“AFHU [American Friends of Hebrew University] is delighted to continue this vital partnership between the Hebrew University and ASHA,” said Beth McCoy, national executive director of AFHU. “ASHA’S commitment to assist developing nations is enhanced by the Hebrew University’s efforts to help feed the world by developing tools and methods to grow hardy, healthful crops under challenging environmental conditions. The university has great expertise in plant sciences, knowledge that is urgent in light of rapid population growth worldwide.”See more onisrael technology for agricultureRECOMMENDED STORIESHouthi missile triggers sirens in Jerusalem, surrounding areasJUNE 12, 2025Israel trying to persuade US to join in continuing strikes on Iran, sources tell 'Post'JUNE 13, 2025Vacation ruse, phantom trip, hostage decoy: How Israel misled Tehran before Iran strikeJUNE 13, 2025Mossad leads series of secret attack operations in heart of IranJUNE 13, 2025